Cool Off with a Chocolate Shake with Coconut and Mint

Refreshing, ice-cold and perfectly sweet, this drink is actually more like a shake than a smoothie. Made with nut milk and coconut ice cream, it has all of the components of a classic shake but without the dairy — although the coconut ice cream is so rich and creamy, you would never know.

The thinner texture and thirst-quenching qualities of shakes are ideal in hotter months, and the flavor of fresh mint and a little caffeine boost from the cocoa can also help one stay alert on sleepy summer afternoons.

Chocolate Shake with Coconut and Mint

Serves 2

Here I opt to use raw cacao powder in place of cocoa powder. Milled at low temperatures and not highly processed, raw cacao is a good source of antioxidants, iron and magnesium. Cacao nibs (used as a garnish) are made by crushing the whole cacao bean. They add a deep chocolate flavor and a great crunchy texture.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

3/4 cup dairy-free coconut ice cream, plus more to serve (I like Coconut Bliss, sold at Whole Foods and similar markets)

1 frozen banana, broken into pieces

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup ice cubes

6 mint leaves, plus more to garnish

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cacao nibs to garnish, optional

Directions:

Add all ingredients (except cacao nibs) to an upright blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses, top with a spoon of ice cream, a sprig of mint and a sprinkle of cacao nibs. Serve immediately.

More guilt-free desserts:

Amy Chaplin is a chef and recipe developer in New York City. She blogs at amychaplin.com.

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